The Best Caribbean Cruises out of New Orleans

by Paul Joseph | Published March 24, 2017

Music, food and culture are an indelible part of the DNA of New Orleans – and the same can be said of the Caribbean too.

A large number of cruises begin in New Orleans, with many of them transporting you through the Gulf of Mexico and towards the fabled delights of the Caribbean. We’ve picked out three of the best that do just that.

4 Night Western Caribbean

FROM $62 PER NIGHT

Few people would think of Mexico when they imagine a Caribbean cruise, but the Mexican island of Cozumel is one of the region’s lesser known gems and is the focal point of this 4-night trip. Starting in New Orleans, you’ll spend a couple of nights at sea before arriving on the mostly undeveloped western Caribbean island. Here you can enjoy an array of activities, including scuba diving around the Mesoamerican Reef and hiking in Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, After a full day’s exploration, you’ll return to your ship for another two nights before your return to New Orleans.

Embarking in New Orleans, this 7-night cruise will spend the first 36 hours at sea, before taking you to the delights of Key West, the idyllic island off the US mainland. After a day’s exploration and a good night’s rest, the following afternoon you’ll arrive in the fabled Bahamas. Here you’ll visit Freeport on Grand Bahamas Island before moving on to Nassau on New Providence. Lap up the incredible atmosphere, dine on great local food and get the pulse racing with some high-octane water sports – the choice is yours. Then, kick back and relax on-board your ship for three more nights at sea before your return journey to New Orleans.

This cruise features the same itinerary as the trip outlined above, but with the added inclusion of a stunning Caribbean carnival extravaganza in the shape of a Live Concert. After a couple of nights at sea, you’ll get to explore the Floridian island of Key West, and then Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas, before it’s time to get your dancing shoes on. The concert takes place in the Bahamas, with the exact venue to be confirmed, and is guaranteed to feature amazing acts and performances. The day after the main event, you’ll get to spend another day in Nassau before three more nights at sea to round off your trip as you return to New Orleans.